From merino to bamboo, Whitewater^® Fishing redefines on-water protection to keep anglers out of the heat and in the hunt

By Glenn Walker

MUSKEGON, Mich. (April 10, 2026) – If you’re a diehard angler or a tournament competitor, downtime isn’t in your vocabulary. But the reality is that overheating and UV overexposure will pull you off the water faster than a mechanical failure. We’ve all seen the long-term toll the sun takes on veteran captains, guides, professional anglers alike – for many of us, me included, those routine precautionary visits to the dermatologist are a sobering reminder that the water reflects as much energy as the sky delivers.

When I’m grinding through long days of prefishing for a tournament, I’ve moved past the messy era of constant sunscreen reapplication. Sunscreen is oily, it adds unwanted odors to your hands that can spook fish, and it’s easy to miss a spot. My solution is simple: total coverage via technical UPF apparel.

The Hoodie Advantage

Most UPF shirts are offered in standard long-sleeve or hoodie silhouettes. My personal choice is always the hoodie. Your neck and ears are the highest points of exposure and the most prone to direct hits from UV rays. A technical hood eliminates the sunscreen reapplication cycle and provides a constant, breathable barrier that keeps you focused on the electronics, not the burn.

Whitewater’s Technical Trio

Whitewater Fishing has engineered three distinct UPF options that allow anglers to tailor their protection to the heat index.

SPINDRIFT MERINO FISHING HOODIE – Gold Standard: In my opinion, this is the pinnacle of technical sunwear. Weighing in at a feather-light 120g, it delivers UPF 50+ protection. The real story here is the merino wool—it’s naturally moisture-wicking and antimicrobial. The material regulates your body temperature on humid days and kills the bacteria that cause end-of-day sweat odors. It’s the ultimate high-performance tool for extended sessions.

SLIPSTREAM BAMBOO HOODIE – Breathable Alternative: New to the lineup, the Slipstream utilizes a 149g Bamboo/Poly blend. This fabric is incredibly breathable, promoting rapid evaporation to create a natural cooling effect. With natural UPF 15 protection, it’s a stellar choice for high-activity days where airflow is your primary concern.

LIGHTWEIGHT TECH HOODIE – Everyday Essential: The Lightweight Tech Hoodie is the workhorse of the collection—a true everyday essential. With a UPF 50 rating, it offers maximum defense against harmful UV rays, shielding the angler through long days on the water. Built with a rugged construction that handles the relentless abuse of a tournament season, this hoodie combines technical protection with the durability required for elite-level performance.

The Lightweight Tech Hoodie and Slipstream Bamboo Hoodie are also available in Vintage Duck Camo.

Beyond the Gunwale

One design feature that stands out across the Whitewater line—particularly with the Slipstream—is the clean, understated aesthetic. These aren’t billboard shirts covered in gaudy logos. They are built with 4-way stretch for total mobility—whether you’re loading a bait net or casting a heavy swimbait—but they look sharp enough to wear straight from the boat to the dinner table.

Ultimately, Whitewater isn’t just making clothes – they are building gear that extends your time on the water. Stay covered, stay cool, and stay in the hunt.